Club Statement

21 December 2012

Wembley Update

Blackpool Football Club can confirm that officials from the club have in recent months met representatives from The Football League, the Lancashire Constabulary and Wembley Stadium, and more recently the Independent Football Ombudsman to investigate complaints made by supporters following the npower Championship Play-Off Final against West Ham in May.

Prior to the 2012 Play-Off Final, the club had managed successfully the sale of tickets for three visits to the Millennium Stadium and two previous visits to the new Wembley stadium, and at no stage has the sales policy or integrity of the club been called in to question. However, on this occasion, the club admits that there were errors of judgement in respect of sales and would like to place on record its sincere apologies to those supporters who will remember their 2012 Wembley trip for all the wrong reasons.

The club have since banned two individuals who purchased a large number of tickets that subsequently ended up in the hands of West Ham United supporters. The club can confirm that these individuals provided convincing assurances that the tickets were for Blackpool FC supporters. The club can also confirm that the staff members responsible for these sales deeply regret their naivety and flawed thought process on this matter and internal action is being taken and policies thoroughly reviewed and updated as required.

The club has and will continue to work with The Football League in proposing a number of improvements and strategies - including the location of the family enclosure - to ensure supporters are able to enjoy the game with like minded supporters.

The club has also given an undertaking to all parties that it will adopt all the recommendations given by the Independent Football Ombudsman and we are confident both Wembley and The Football League will follow suit and adopt the recommendations given to them by the IFO.